The Hidden Costs of Moving You Should Be Aware Of

Moving is expensive. How expensive depends on several factors. While the costs of many moving services are calculated based on the size and distance of your move, several unexpected factors can (and often will) arise.   Since these hidden costs can impact your budget significantly, we put together this guide. It explores the hidden costs of moving that you should always be aware of, from cleaning your home to paying extra to move on short notice. 

What is the Typical Cost of Moving?

The cost of a move depends largely on the distance and the size of your belongings. For example, moving from one state to another that’s relatively close by—such as from New Jersey to Pennsylvania—might cost between $300 and $1,000, while moving from New York to Florida, a much longer distance, could range from $1,000 to $3,000.

These estimates reflect the bare cost for hiring movers to transport your belongings without any additional services or add-ons. Long-distance moving services providers tend to offer more add ons, that will make moving more expensive, but also a more enjoyable experience. 

The Type of Move Impacts The Price The Most

When you hire moving companies, you can typically expect to pay between $900 and $2,500 for local moves. Moves of 100 miles or more can cost between $2,700 and $10,000, with most of the add ons included.

What goes into those prices? The cost of long-distance moving often includes factors like mileage, hourly labor costs, overnight lodging charges, and supply fees. Most movers will also charge a minimum fee for your move regardless of how long it takes. If you book your movers for three hours but they only need two, you’ll still pay the same amount.

The Hidden Costs of Moving that Influence The Final Price 

But what goes into those common moving fees? As it turns out, quite a bit. Significant contributors to the cost of long-distance moving include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Timing of your move
• Additional items
• Unforeseen fuel charges and tolls
• Heavy item surcharges and additional labor fees
• Packing supplies
• Stair, elevator, and building fees
• Moving insurance
• Storage fees
• Professional cleaning fees
• Junk removal
• Parking fees for moving trucks
• Tipping your movers

When You Move Matters

Peak moving season runs through the summer months (May to September). The highest rates are often in June through August, and this is also the time when moves good movers will be fully booked. You may not be able to control when you move, but you should be aware that moving during this time will add significant costs to your move.

Best Times of Year and Month to Save on Moving Costs

Booking your move during off-peak times like October through April is a great way to save money, as so is moving in the middle of the month when demand is lower. If you really want to save, try to schedule your move for winter. With the help of brokers like Safe Ship Moving Services and the availability of movers in the winter, finding the right crew will be a breeze. In some cases, movers will discount rates by anywhere from 20% to 30%.

Weekday vs. Weekend Moves: Which is Cheaper?

Moving in the middle of the week is significantly more affordable than relocating on the weekend. Mid-week moves can cost 10% to 25% less than weekend ones. The price difference reflects lower weekday demand, which makes it ideal for cost-conscious movers. Many moving companies offer their most competitive rates on Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

Early Booking vs. Last-Minute Moves: How Timing Affects Rates

One of the hidden costs of moving that people don’t often consider is the price difference between last-minute moves and early booked ones. There’s a reason most moving guides suggest planning and booking your move as early as possible, especially if your move needs to happen during a peak period. 

Of course, sometimes, moving on a short timeline is unavoidable. In these situations, a moving broker can help compare several quotes at once to help find you the best possible price.

Additional Items Not Included in Estimate 

A significant driver of unexpected increases in typical moving expenses includes items not included in the estimate. 

According to Safe Ship’s founders, “The number one hidden cost in moving by far is additional items not originally accounted for on the estimate during the inventory-taking process. If you plan to move items not included in the inventory that the estimate was built on, it won’t be included in the estimated price.” 

What does this mean for your move? Try to eliminate surprises as much as possible. Buying new furniture and having it delivered directly to your new home is more cost-effective than asking your movers to do it.

Unforeseen Fuel Charges and Tolls

Fuel charges and tolls are common hidden costs of moving, and they can catch people off guard if they’re not prepared. Moving companies typically calculate fuel surcharges based on distance and current gas prices, adding anywhere from 5% to 15% to your total bill. For example, if you’re moving from Nevada to another state, the costs can quickly add up. As of April 2025, the average U.S. diesel fuel price is approximately $3.58 per gallon.

Let’s say you’re moving 1,000 miles with a truck that averages 6 miles per gallon. This means your move will require about 167 gallons of diesel. At $3.58 per gallon, your fuel cost alone would be around $598. If the moving company applies a 10% fuel surcharge, that adds another $60 to your bill, bringing the total fuel-related cost to about $658.

Toll charges can also accumulate quickly, especially when driving through multiple states. While some moving companies include these fees in their quotes, others may add them as separate line items. To avoid unexpected costs when relocating, especially for the hidden costs of moving from Nevada to another state, be sure to ask your movers about fuel surcharges and toll fees in advance.

Heavy Item Surcharges and Additional Labor Fees

Moving heavy items can be one of the hidden costs of moving, especially requiring specialized equipment or additional labor. For example, if your move includes a piano, you might expect to pay an additional $200 to $600. Gun safes can add $250 to $500 to your bill. Movers might assess additional fees for extra refrigerators, washing machines, and other heavy appliances. 

These fees aren’t just arbitrary, however. Your movers might need extra equipment like dollies or hoisting straps, insurance coverage, or even an extra set of hands or two to safely handle those bulky items.  

If you have something heavy to move, disclose it when getting quotes to avoid a surprise charge.

Packing Supplies

Packing supplies are a typical moving expense, that some moving companies with packing services will include in the initial estimate. but how much you spend on them depends on a few factors. The number of fragile items you own and the number of rooms you need to pack will fluctuate, but there are a few items that you’ll always need on hand for your move.

Must-Have Packing Supplies and Average Costs

No matter who is packing your belongings, you’ll need boxes. Lots of boxes. But you’ll also need specialty supplies like bubble wrap or packing paper to protect fragile items like dishes, glassware, or other breakables. For closets with lots of hanging clothes, it’s often advisable to buy wardrobe boxes to keep these items on hangers for easy packing and unpacking. Finally, moving blankets help protect your furniture — and your doorframes and walls — from scuffs and scrapes during your move. 

The costs of these items can vary. Packing tape is usually close to $5 a roll, and bubble wrap costs anywhere from $20 to $30 per roll. But if you are creative and get at least some of the items second hand, move on a budget without sacrificing quality. 

Tips for Finding Free or Discounted Packing Materials

Finding affordable packing materials is an essential part of reducing your moving costs. If you want to save money, there are several ways to gather materials without spending too much.

Start by reaching out to local businesses, especially retail stores, liquor stores, or bookstores. These places frequently have extra shipping boxes they no longer need. Many businesses are happy to give away sturdy boxes in various sizes, which can be great for packing. Just make sure they’re in good condition to avoid any risk of damaging your items during the move.

You can also check local community groups on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or even your neighborhood’s HOA message boards. These groups are great places to find free or discounted packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap, or packing paper. People often give away extra materials after a move, and you can take advantage of these offers.

Another idea is to use household items like towels, blankets, or old newspapers as makeshift packing materials. These items can provide extra cushioning for fragile goods. If you’d rather leave the packing to professionals, you can always inquire about packing services, which can save you time and ensure your items are packed securely.

Finally, some online retailers offer discounted moving supplies, and local stores like U-Haul or The Home Depot often provide deals or bulk discounts on packing materials. With these options, you’ll be able to cut costs and still pack everything safely.

Stair, Elevator, and Building Fees

If you live in a major metro area like Dallas, Las Vegas, or New York, one of the hidden costs of moving out of your apartment may involve navigating stairs or using a service elevator. This is especially common in high-rise buildings or apartment complexes, where movers may need to use elevators to transport your items safely. Depending on the building’s policies, there could be additional fees for using these facilities, which can add to your overall moving costs.

Stair fees are often applied when movers need to carry heavy items up or down multiple flights of stairs. These fees usually range from $50 to $200, depending on the number of floors and the complexity of the move. Elevator fees can also apply, particularly if the building has a service elevator reserved for moving purposes. These fees typically range from $75 to $150, and you might be required to reserve the elevator in advance. In some cases, these fees could be included in the overall cost of the move, but it’s always a good idea to check with the building management and your moving company ahead of time.

Moving Insurance: What You Need to Know

Many people, especially first-time movers, overlook the importance of moving insurance as part of their relocation. However, it’s an essential purchase that can save you from significant financial loss in the event of damage, loss, or theft during transit. Without moving insurance, your belongings may not be fully protected, leaving you to bear the costs of replacing them out of pocket. Considering the hidden costs of moving, including unexpected damages, securing the right insurance is vital for peace of mind.

What’s Covered in Standard Moving Insurance?

When you hire a moving company, standard moving insurance, also called “released value protection,” is typically included in the base cost of the move. However, this coverage only compensates you at a rate of $0.60 per pound per item. So, for instance, if your 50-pound TV, valued at $500, gets damaged, you’d only be reimbursed $30. This coverage often does not apply to items you pack yourself or to high-value personal items such as jewelry, electronics, or important documents. Additionally, this type of coverage excludes damage caused by inadequate packing. These limitations are crucial when considering the hidden costs of moving, as they may not provide enough protection for more valuable or fragile items.

When to Consider Additional Moving Insurance?

For high-value items such as antiques, electronics, or family heirlooms, additional moving insurance is essential. This “full value protection” typically costs between $8 and $12 per $1,000 of declared value. This type of coverage will provide compensation for the full replacement cost of your belongings if they are lost or damaged. For items worth over $100 per pound, or for items with sentimental or irreplaceable value, it’s highly recommended to purchase this extra protection. Full value protection is especially important for complete household moves valued over $10,000, long-distance relocations, or moves that involve high-risk items like fragile glassware or art.

For those in the military or military families, moving services for military personnel often include specific insurance options to cover these needs. Always ensure you understand what’s covered and what’s not, as having the right moving insurance can prevent costly surprises during your move.

Don’t Forget About Storage Fees

Sometimes, your move isn’t as straightforward as packing up and unloading into your new home. There may be a gap between when you leave your old home and when your new place is ready to move into, and this is where storage comes into play. Whether your belongings need to be stored for a few days, weeks, or even longer, it’s important to factor this into your moving budget. You may need to pay for storage, which can be arranged through your moving company or at a third-party storage facility.

The cost of storage can vary depending on a variety of factors. On average, a standard storage unit costs around $185 per month. However, prices can fluctuate based on the size of the unit you need. For example, a smaller 5×5-foot unit will typically cost less than a larger 10×10-foot unit. Additionally, the type of storage you require will also impact the price. Basic drive-up storage units tend to be more affordable, while climate-controlled units, which protect sensitive items like electronics, artwork, or furniture from extreme temperatures and humidity, are more expensive. Climate-controlled units can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 per month or more.

If you have a large amount of commercial equipment or inventory that needs to be stored, you may want to explore commercial storage and facilities services. These types of storage options are designed to cater to businesses needing more space for their operations, offering more flexible arrangements and specialized services, such as long-term contracts, higher security measures, and access to larger units. Whether you’re storing household goods or business assets, it’s crucial to understand the costs and select the best storage solution to fit your needs.

Professional Cleaning Fees

Another hidden cost of moving that people may not consider is cleaning their homes when it’s time to say goodbye. Many people find it’s much simpler to hire professional cleaning services to take care of this job than to spend extra hours scrubbing walls and mopping floors.

Cleaning Costs to Expect When Moving Out

A good, thorough cleaning is particularly important for renters. Most property management companies require apartments to be in great condition to return security deposits to their renters, which means taking the time to deep clean. 

Professional cleaning service costs can vary depending on the size of your home. Some cleaning services charge an hourly rate per team member, while others might charge a flat rate per square foot. According to home services provider Angi, the normal range for professional house cleaning is between $118 and $236.

DIY vs Professional Cleaning Cost Comparison

Opting to skip professional cleaners can save you some money. The expenses are elbow grease and time. Is saving a few hundred dollars but spending even more time deep cleaning worth it? Do you want to leave cleaning supplies or unpack them if you’ve already packed them? If you’re moving on a tight timetable or have other, more pressing concerns, hire a professional.

Junk Removal for Moving

Junk removal is a major expense when moving items that aren’t being reused, sold, or donated. Many junk removal companies charge by volume, and it’s not cheap. Removing an old, broken couch or cabinet from your home can cost hundreds of dollars. Sometimes, your trash provider will provide bulk pick-up for a fee. 

Decluttering your home before you move can remove this expense. That’s why donating and selling household belongings is a much more compelling prospect than paying someone to haul those items off.

Parking Fees for Moving Trucks

In many cities, especially major metro areas, you’ll need a moving permit to park your moving truck in one spot for an extended period. These permits are often required to ensure that your truck doesn’t block traffic, interfere with parking spaces, or disrupt the flow of city life. Parking your truck without a permit can lead to hefty fines or even have your vehicle towed, causing unnecessary delays and additional costs.

The process of securing a permit varies by city, but it’s usually available through your local DMV or BMV. Some cities may require you to apply in advance, while others may offer permits for same-day use. If you live in cities like Austin, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle, the demand for parking spaces is especially high, making these permits even more essential. To avoid unexpected issues on moving day, it’s crucial to secure a permit as soon as possible to ensure a smooth and stress-free move.

Tipping Your Movers

You may not have thought about it, but tipping your movers is another custom for almost all moves. For local moves, consider tipping $20 to $40 per mover. Budget this at the start to avoid the surprise of an unexpected moving cost.

If your move extends beyond a half-day, you might want to tip more per mover — as much as $50 for a full day of service. Long-distance moves usually warrant around 5% to 10% of your bill, split among crews at pickup and delivery. Add money for challenging conditions, handling special items, and excellent service.

Avoid the hidden costs of moving When Moving by Seeking Professional Help

One of the best options to eliminate the hidden costs of moving is to work with movers who offer completely transparent pricing. One way to find those movers is to partner with a moving broker to source quotes. Moving brokers will provide itemized pricing for every aspect of your move. Everything that movers can handle, from packing and transportation to mileage and lodging fees.  Contact us today to learn how Safe Ship’s moving broker services can simplify your move.